Sep 2008 Newsletter
ABLE 6 Sends (Sep 08):
Greetings Fellow Cottonbalers! We have been back from Iraq for approximately six months, but this quarter remained a busy and challenging time. Since I took command on 22 May 2008, we have seen over 60% turnover of personnel across the battalion to include the command sergeant major, battalion operations officer, three company commanders and six of our seven first sergeants. Additionally, the battalion has reset nearly every piece of equipment we own-over 6,000 items-through local and national logistics agencies. The equipment reset will culminate at the end of September when we complete the draw of our combat vehicles.
While we focused on regeneration of our equipment and took some well earned leave following the recent deployment to Iraq, the task force has also been busy preparing for assumption of a homeland defense reaction force mission. Our brigade combat team was designated as the first active duty Brigade officially allocated to serve as part of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) Consequence Management Response Force or CCMRF (pronounced "see-smurf"). The CCMRF is a Joint Task Force designed to assist state and local authorities react to catastrophic events within the United States and in U.S territories abroad. On October 1st the Brigade Combat Team will assume the CCMRF mission for one year.
The upcoming quarter will be no different as we begin collective training for the first time since returning from Iraq in March 2008. We will continue to balance our competing demands of warfighting skills and CCMRF sustainment training. I'm certain the Soldiers, Leaders and Families of this great battalion will continue to set the standard for all to follow.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (CPT Harnden)
Headquarters and Headquarters company has been going through a turbulent period. Throughout it all HHC has maximized the summer period for Soldier reset, allowing them to spend time with their families, continue or begin their civilian education, and attend professional development schools. The summer also allowed the company to begin reestablishing procedures for day-to-day operations within a garrison environment and begin to train for future missions. HHC also focused on refurbishing their equipment following return from Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have no doubt that HHC will be 100% ready to accomplish any task during future contingency missions.
The medical platoon has been the workhorse for Headquarters Company. Over half of the medical platoon attended the Emergency Medical Technician-Tactical course. They also ensured that the Soldiers of the battalion are medically proficient by training over 250 Combat Life Savers in the past 90 days. Academically, the Medics have led the way at the Warrior Leaders Course. SGT Daniels earned the Distinguished Honor Graduate, SGT Stratton earned Honor Graduate, and five other medics earned Commandants List honors. Simultaneously, the Scout and Mortar Platoons have been focused on individual training and core battle drills specific to their mission essential tasks. They completed a partial equipment draw, but are not expected to receive all of their authorized equipment until September. They both have specific training plans prepared to increase their readiness as new equipment arrives.
Overall, the performance of Headquarters Company has been outstanding. The Soldiers have met all assigned tasks with professionalism and continue to support the remainder of the battalion. The Soldiers are fully prepared in the months ahead to train, deploy, and support the citizens of the nation if need be.
Alpha Company (CPT Bailey)
From June to September 2008 the Soldiers of A/2-7IN "Rage" have continued to lead the Battalion by example in the same manner they led from the front during their fifteen month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V (OIF). During this time period, A/2-7IN has simultaneously prepared for traditional wartime tasks, emergency response tasks, and conducted a change of command.
Alpha Company Change of Command Ceremony
The Soldiers of Rage have been working hard over the past three months to sharpen their individual Soldier skills in order to become more successful on the field of battle and in non-traditional roles. One third of the company completed the Combat Life Saver Course. All Rage Soldiers conducted a traditional l and navigation course on 19 August 2008 in order to sustain their compass and map reading aptitude. Also, the company improved the lethality of each individual Soldier with three days of training on the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) on 31 July, 1 August, and 5 August.
The Rage Team has been steadfast in its preparation to serve the citizens of the United States upon the assumption of the 1 October 2008 CCMRF mission. To simulate responding to a natural disaster with nothing more than a "Google Earth Map," the Soldiers of A/2-7IN conducted Urban Land Navigation training in downtown Savannah on 20 August 2008, in order to sharpen their terrain association and orienteering skills.
Sadly Rage lost a brave warrior, SPC Robert Jones on 8 July in a tragic car accident. His exemplary service in Iraq and impact upon his fellow Soldiers will not be forgotten. Finally, A/2-7IN has a new command team consisting of 1SG Franklin Miller and CPT Marcus Bailey. The company looks forward to forging another successful chapter under a new commander who will continue to lead this company to higher levels of successful service.
Bushmaster Company (CPT Wrice)
As the quarter comes to a close, Bushmaster Company finished strong as it continued its focus on individual Soldier development as well as team building, while ensuring that each Soldier took advantage of the 'College Option' offered throughout the BCT. As daunting as these tasks were, our situation was made even more difficult as the company experienced significant personnel losses, especially at the NCO level. A number of their leaders ended their tour of service, sixteen of their Staff Sergeants either received orders to PCS, attend Drill Sergeant, or attend Recruiter School, and all three of their Platoon Sergeants PCSed in July. Through it all, newly arrived 1SG David Stone, and three new Platoon Sergeants, SFC Duncan Mac Phail (1st Platoon), SSG Kenneth Gainey (2nd Platoon), and SFC Ernest Gainey (3rd Platoon), along with a few superstar Specialists, allowed Bushmaster to reorganize the company and set the stage for a tremendously successful new beginning.
After 15 months of combat operations, Bushmaster needed to re-establish a common core baseline in both physical fitness and technical proficiency. Bushmaster filled the quarter with numerous individual and team oriented events that focused in those areas. Like true Bushmasters, Soldiers rose to the occasion and performed brilliantly. The first individual event was the Bushmaster Ironman Competition, which consisted of 2 minutes of pushups and sit-ups, 3 mile run and as many pull-ups as possible. Bushmaster had more than twenty Soldiers in the company compete, but in the end SPC Robert Fournier took first place with 107 push-ups, 101 sit-ups, 22:15 for the 3 mile run, and 17 pull-ups.
Bushmaster Ironman Competition
Another training highlight was the Bushmaster squad competition. The competition took place at the Ft Stewart's obstacle course and consisted of a 3 mile foot march, obstacle course and one mile litter carry. The intent of the training was to conduct battle focused training with an emphasis on team building and unit cohesion. While negotiating the obstacles, each squad did whatever it took to ensure every Soldier performed each obstacle to standard, while displaying great a gility and ability to think outside the box. Despite the torrential downpour, each Soldier executed every obstacle with remarkable motivation and determination. Each of the eight squads gave it all that they had, but in the end, 2nd Platoon, 1st Squad, finished first with an overall time of 53 minutes and 46 seconds.
Charlie Company (CPT Stephens)
Throughout the months of August, September, and October of 2008, Charlie Company, 2-7 IN (COLD STEEL!) faced the considerable challenge of preparing for the CCMRF mission resetting personnel and equipment from deployment, and preparing to conduct upcoming tank gunnery all at the same time. As a highlight, on August 22nd, Charlie Company, 2-7 Infantry, conducted a situational training exercise, simulating a chemical leak at a suspected terrorist weapons-making facility in the aftermath of a hurricane. During the training event, the soldiers secured the incident site and employed several detection devices, ranging from complex electronics to simple chemical test paper, to identify any chemical agents present. They then donned full chemical suits and went inside Fort Stewart's gas chamber, a building used to conduct chemical training. While in the chamber, the soldiers treated simulated nerve agent injuries and were then exposed to CS gas, a mild blister agent used in riot control.
Charlie Company, 2-7 Infantry, conducting a
training exercise, simulating a chemical leak at a suspected
terrorist weapons-making facility in the aftermath of a
hurricane.
Later in the month of August, Charlie Company also conducted a Combat Lifesaver Course (CLS). This course taught soldiers advanced first aid skills such as using the combat tourniquet, performing needle chest decompression, and initiating a saline lock. The event culminated with CLS Squad Tactical Exercise (STX) lanes. Over 90% of Charlie company was CLS certified. In addition, the company also conducted ruck marches every Thursday, culminating with a capstone "fit to fight" 20 kilometer ruck march. Also in August, the Company sent 90% of its NCOs to become Instructor/Operators for the Conduct of Fire Trainer for the M1-series tank. Physical Training is becoming increasingly more combat-oriented, with Thursday PT now conducted in Army Combat Uniform or full "Marne Standard." The platoons have been conducting "fit to fight" 4 mile runs, SKED litter pulls, and tough battle focused training.
Delta Company (CPT Marfongelli)
The past quarter has been nothing if not adventurous for the Deathriders of 2-7 Infantry Battalion. During this quarter Deathrider said goodbye to many outstanding Soldiers, NCOs and officers, while welcoming in a new crop of Soldiers and leaders. Of note, we have integrated three new Platoon Leaders: 2LT Adrian Tomlinson, 2LT Ricardo Brito and 2LT Michael Good. Deathrider also has two new Platoon Sergeants, SSG Diaz and SSG Fogle. 1LT Marc Jason relinquished his role as Red 1 and now owns his own desk as Rider 5. Deathrider also received our new First Sergeant, 1SG Eric Eichner, in June. These individuals make up the core team that will continue to lead Deathrider Company.
Delta Company Leaders
The Company's primary training focus for the last month has been preparing for assumption of the CCMRF mission. Deathrider also i ntegrated 19K-specific training in preparation for the crew qualification they will execute next quarter. The company FRG has also begun to take the initial steps in becoming an established element. Their first event is a company BBQ scheduled for 21 September. Additionally, one of our prime focuses has been educating our NCOs within the NCOES system. Deathrider has seen three individuals graduate from ANCOC, seven personnel complete both phases of BNCOC, and nine personnel complete the Warrior Leaders Course. Also, seven personnel used this past quarter as a time to complete hour upon hour of civilian education courses.
Echo Company (CPT Love)
Since our redeployment in late March 2008, Easy Company remains active with reset operations in a wide scope of arenas. First and foremost, we have undergone some major changes in the Company's leadership. In June 2008, Easy conducted a Change of Responsibility where 1SG Brian Raines relinquished authority to 1SG Craig Hillman. 1SG Hillman comes from Echo Company, 3-69 Armor with 17 years of experience and an eagerness to lead Easy Company forward. Then in August 2008, CPT Mark Cobos relinquished command to CPT Bill Love, the former HHC, 1st Brigade commander with vast experience in command and staff positions. Together, CPT Love and 1SG Hillman are prepared to handle the reins of Easy Company as it regenerates after a 15-month Iraq deployment and prepares for a wide array of future missions.
In preparation for the CCMRF mission, Easy Company's training over the last four months has focused on those individual and team-level tasks most likely associated with the possible mission sets. This entailed extensive Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive (CBRNE) training to include the wear and capabilities of our protective suites, decontamination procedures, and the aforementioned gas-mask run. Also, as we analyzed the engineer related aspects of the CCMRF mission, we have placed great emphasis on performing assessments of vital infrastructure and utilities that may be damaged during an attack or a natural disaster. It began with classroom instruction on basic water and electrical systems found in the United States and culminated with a guided tour of water purification and distribution facilities and electrical step-down facilities here on Fort Stewart, Georgia. This detailed training provided our Combat Engineers a broad base of knowledge on these important systems and described the major components that they may soon have to assess. Lastly, we coordinated with a subject matter expert, Professor Hinze out of the University of Florida, to speak to our Sappers concerning worker safety for hurricane reconstruction. Considering one of our missions may include responding to areas devastated by major hurricanes, this training was vital in their preparation.
A guided tour of water purification and distribution facilities.
Foxtrot Company (CPT Wynn)
The month of June was definitely a challenging month for Warrior Company. After block leave we lost about 60% of the Soldiers and NCOs in the unit. It was tough seeing these great leaders go! Most of them had been a part of the FSC since it was created in 2003. However our missions did not stop, and we were knee deep in resetting equipment, reestablishing Garrison systems, and sending NCOs and Soldiers to various schools that would help them develop as leaders. The company also began to focus on CCMRF training in preparation for the mission. We immediately began to train Soldiers on individual and collective tasks that were essential to the success of the mission with the initial focus on CBRNE training.
The theme for the month of August in the company was "family". We were in the process of completely rebuilding our Family Readiness Group since most of the prior members were lost due to PCS and ETS. Our company leadership spent countless hours brainstorming ideas to rebuild and maintain this vital organization. We decided to have a family day to give all the new families in the company a chance to meet those who have been in the unit for a while. On 26 August we held their first FRG meeting; it was a huge success and great interest was shown. For our family fun day, they started with a family fun run during PT hours. After the run they went to the Hinesville Family YMCA for a company picnic. Over 150 family members attended and enjoyed games and activities.
Family Fun Day
Simultaneously conducting regeneration and CCMRF mission preparation operations has been interesting to say the least. It reminds me of the television commercial where a company is building a jet liner while it is in flight. Despite the considerable difficulty associated with the competing demands our Cottonbalers and their families continue to amaze me with their professionalism and positive attitude.
"Volens et Potens!"
LTC Greg Sierra...Able 6
"Willing & Able!"